In regard to the recent ‘joke’ in the signature line of the Winnebago County Republican Central Committee’s Chairman Jim Thompson’s email, I would like to express the shock, dismay and disapproval I felt, as it was not only offensive, it was unworthy of public or private office holders.

As a Republican, elected official, I believe that it is especially important to be aware of how ‘jokes’ can be interpreted, and in this situation I have encouraged Chairman Thompson to resign.

Personally, whether it’s intended or not, I believe that racism is wrong. It is important for all public officials, Republican or Democrat, to take a firm stance against racial innuendo, even when the connotation is inadvertent or unintended. There should be no excuse.

As a person, and as a former precinct captain and current elected official of the party of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, I believe it is important to oppose racism as we tirelessly labor to demonstrate our commitment to freedom and justice for all.